The 2005 Chevy Equinox is equipped with rear shock absorbers designed to help keep the rear wheels in contact with the road, no matter how rough the terrain. The shocks consist of two cylinders that compress hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid dampens the impact from the road, keeping the tire in contact with the road surface to maintain vehicle stability and control. Over time, the seals in the hydraulic chamber can weaken or fail, causing the fluid to leak out. When this happens, replace the shocks to maintain suspension integrity and avoid damage to other suspension components.
Climb under the back end of the Equinox and hold the lower retaining nut on the upper portion of the shock absorber in place with a box wrench while you use the socket set to remove the upper retaining nut. Take the old bushing and washer off with the upper retaining nut. Repeat this on the other side when done.
Raise the rear end into the air with the floor jack and put the jack stands under the rear frame. Do not put the jack stands under the rear axle or any of the rear suspension, as you need the suspension to hang down to replace the shock absorbers. Lower the Equinox onto the jack stands.
Remove the retaining hardware from the bottom of each shock, using the box wrenches. Hold one the bolt still with one wrench as you remove the nut on the other side with another wrench (or the socket set). Pull the shocks out by hand when done.
Move the replacement shocks into position and insert the new hardware through the bottom mounts. Tighten the hardware down in reverse of how you removed it.
Snip the nylon retaining strap off the shock with the knife or cutters and guide the top stud upward and through the upper mount. Install the hardware in reverse of how you removed it. Do not reuse the old hardware on the top, instead always use the hardware supplied with the replacement shocks. Repeat this on the other side when done.
Lower the Equinox off the jack stands with the floor jack.
